TANK ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR A SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to self-contained breathing apparatuses and systems that provide regulated gas, e.g., air or oxygen, from one or more tanks or cylinders to a user, and in particular to a tank attachment arrangement for facilitating the removable attachment of a tank or tanks to a back-plate assembly of a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] As is known in the art, a variety of activities, workplace functions, and emergency situations require additional safety measures and systems. In particular, such activities, functions, and situations include, without limitation, industrial or manufacturing activities, construction activities, firefighting and rescue activities, activities that pose a potential risk to the person or persons involved, contaminated environment situations, and even leisure activities (e.g., diving), and the like. Providing safety equipment to those involved in such activities and environments is required, and in certain situations such protection includes the required use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.

[0003] A self-contained breathing apparatus may take a variety of forms and configurations. In one typical configuration, the self-contained breathing apparatus includes a back-plate assembly with an attachment system, e.g., adjustable straps, a harness, and the like, on one side for removably attaching the back-plate assembly to the user. On the other side of the back-plate assembly, a tank attachment arrangement is provided, which facilitates the removable attachment of one or more tanks or cylinders, e.g., air tanks, oxygen tanks, and the like, to the assembly. In addition, a regulation system is attached to or integrated with the back-plate assembly and configured to deliver regulated gas from the tank to the user, typically to a mask worn by the user. In this manner, the user may operate effectively in hazardous or low- or no-oxygen environments and situations.

[0004] One such tank attachment arrangement is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,331,553, entitled "Bottle Support of Compressed-Air Bottles". In the '553 patent, the tank attachment arrangement includes a bottle support (4) attached to a support frame (5), which is part of the back-plate assembly. The bottle support (4) includes multiple glide inserts (3) that project from the surface (9) of the bottle support (4). In operation, a bottle (1) is placed in the bottle support (4) and a tightening strap (6) is used to urge the bottle (1) against the glide inserts (3), which compress into the hollow spaces (10) to allow the bottle (1) to contact the surface (9). These glide inserts (3) (and the adjacent portions of the bottle support (4)) are resilient and, when the strap (6) is loosened, the glide inserts (3) protrude and slightly lift the bottle (1) and release it from the frictional forces of the bottle support (4). Accordingly, the bottle support (4) of the '553 patent provides for the positioning and removal of a tank or cylinder in a tank attachment arrangement of a self-contained breathing apparatus. Similar tank attachment arrangements are disclosed in EP1516811, US2013247912, US2008257928 and US2010313394.

[0005] However, there is room for further improvements in this area, particularly with respect to the ability to quickly and effectively attach and remove a tank to and from the back-plate assembly.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved tank attachment arrangements for use in connection with a self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally, provided is a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus that provides for an improved tank or cylinder connection arrangement in SCBA systems and configurations. Preferably, provided is a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus that facilitates quick attachment and removal of a tank to and from a back-plate assembly of the self-contained breathing apparatus. Preferably, provided is a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus that provides a low-friction interface for the insertion and removal of the tank to and from the tank attachment arrangement. Preferably, provided is a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus that facilitates the proper positioning of the tank in connection with the tank attachment arrangement.

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus having at least one tank, including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member. The at least one contact member extends into a groove within the contact side of the saddle portion in a depth direction of the base member. The at least one contact member includes a substantially linear portion, a first sloped portion, and a second sloped portion extending from opposing ends of the substantially linear portion in a longitudinal direction of the at least one contact member and substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the at least one tank to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with at least one of the substantially linear portion, the first sloped portion, and the second sloped portion of the tank attachment arrangement.

[0009] According to the invention, the at least one contact member is configured to be at least partially positioned in a groove extending along the contact side of the saddle portion and having a depth. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one sloped portion of the at least one contact member comprises a tip area having a thickness at a distal end thereof that is less than or substantially equal to the depth of the groove or less than or substantially equal to the thickness of the saddle portion.

[0010] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one sloped portion of the at least one contact member comprises a first sloped area and a second sloped area, the first sloped area and the second sloped area having a different degree of slope. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one contact member extends substantially from a first edge of the contact side of the saddle portion to a second edge of the contact side of the base member. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one contact member comprises a first sloped portion, a substantially linear portion, and a second sloped portion. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one contact member has a cross section that is at least one of the following: rounded, at least partially sloped, at least partially angled, substantially triangular, substantially in the form of a truncated triangle, beveled, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one contact member is formed from or coated with at least one of the following: an elastic material, a flexible material, a resilient material, a rubber material, a synthetic material, a plastic material, a silicon material, a low-friction material, or any combination thereof. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact side of the saddle portion is substantially concave, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact side of the saddle portion comprises at least one saddle contact member configured for contact with at least a portion of the tank upon actuation or operation of the tank retainer arrangement.

[0012] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the tank attachment arrangement further includes two spaced contact members that are configured to respectively contact two different areas of the surface of the tank. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the tank attachment arrangement further includes at least one groove extending along the contact side of the saddle portion of the base member, wherein the at least one contact member comprises at least one attachment extension extending from a bottom surface of the at least one contact member. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one groove comprises at least one orifice extending therethrough configured to at least partially receive and retain the at least one attachment extension, thereby attaching the at least one contact member to the saddle portion.

[0013] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the base member includes: a cradle attachable to a frame of a back-plate assembly of the self-contained breathing apparatus; and a cradle cover engageable with the cradle; wherein the saddle portion is attached to or formed on the cradle cover. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one tank retainer arrangement comprises at least one elongate band configured to retain the at least one tank against the contact side of the saddle portion of the base member. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one elongate band is configured to be tightened and loosened with respect to the at least one tank. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one elongate band is configured to be tightened and loosened using a latching/tensioning assembly in operative engagement with at least a portion of the base member.

[0014] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and for use in a self-contained breathing apparatus having a back-plate assembly configured to be removably attached to a user and at least one tank having gas therein, provided is a tank attachment arrangement including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member; wherein the at least one contact member includes at least one sloped portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with the tank attachment arrangement.

[0015] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a self-contained breathing apparatus, including: a back-plate assembly having at least one attachment arrangement configured to removably connect the back-plate assembly to a user; at least one tank having gas therein; a regulation system directly or indirectly connected to the at least one tank and configured to provide regulated gas from the tank to a mask of the user; and a tank attachment arrangement including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member; wherein the at least one contact member includes at least one sloped portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with the tank attachment arrangement. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one tank retainer arrangement comprises at least one elongate band configured to retain the at least one tank against the contact side of the saddle portion of the base member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a self-contained breathing apparatus including a tank attachment arrangement according to the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment or aspect of a tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus according to the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an exploded edge view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a contact member of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an exploded sectional view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an exploded schematic view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a self-contained breathing apparatus including the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a self-contained breathing apparatus including the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a self-contained breathing apparatus including the tank attachment arrangement of Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OR ASPECTS

[0017] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.

[0018] The present invention is directed to a tank attachment arrangement 10 for use in connection with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). As illustrated in schematic form in Fig. 1, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) represents an assembly or a unit that is removably attachable to a user (U), as discussed above. In particular, and with continued reference to Fig. 1, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a back-plate assembly (BP) that serves as the platform or frame upon which other components are attached, integrated, or connected. In this embodiment or aspect, the back-plate assembly (BP) includes an attachment arrangement (AA) that facilitates the removable attachment of the back-plate assembly (BP) to the user (U). The attachment arrangement (AA) may be in the form of straps, a harness, or other adjustable members that allow the user (U) to quickly and effectively don and/or remove the self-contained breathing apparatus SCBA. The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) also includes one or more tanks (T), which include or are filled with gas, typically air or oxygen, which is provided to a mask (M) of the user (U) through a regulation system (RS). In order to attach and/or hold the tank (T) with respect to the back-plate assembly (BP), the presently-invented tank attachment arrangement 10 is utilized. Certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this tank attachment arrangement 10 (including its components, as a separate unit or assembly, and positioned with respect to the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)) are illustrated in Figs. 2-12.

[0019] With reference to Figs. 2-5, according to the invention, the tank attachment arrangement 10 includes a base member 12 having a saddle portion 14 with a contact side 16. The contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 also includes at least one, and preferably multiple, contact members 18 directly or indirectly attached thereto. In particular, the contact members 18 may be permanently attached to the saddle portion 14 or alternatively, removably attached thereto. Further, the contact members 18 are sized, shaped, or configured to contact or bear against a surface of the tank (T).

[0020] In this embodiment or aspect, the tank attachment arrangement 10 also includes a tank retainer arrangement 20 that is configured to retain the tank (T) with respect to the base member 12. As discussed in further detail hereinafter, the tank retainer arrangement 20 is typically in the form of an elongate band or strap that, with some adjustment and/or tensioning mechanism, allows for the attachment and detachment of the tank (T) with respect to base member 12, where the tank (T) is urged against the contact members 18 and contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14. Further, in this embodiment or aspect, the contact members 18 include at least one sloped portion 22 which serves to facilitate quick and effective engagement or disengagement of the tank (T) with the tank attachment arrangement 10.

[0021] As illustrated in Figs. 2-5, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the saddle portion 14 includes two contact members 18, which are sized, shaped, or angled to contact the surface of the tank (T) substantially simultaneously upon insertion of or attachment of the tank (T) to or within the tank attachment arrangement 10. In particular, and in this embodiment or aspect, by using two, spaced contact members 18 on the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14, the tank (T) will be automatically centered or aligned with respect to the base member 12 and the tank retainer arrangement 20. Such an arrangement facilitates quick positioning of the tank (T) and the tank attachment arrangement 10, thereby providing a simple and effective tank (T) changing process. Also, and based upon the use of the sloped portion 22, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the tank (T) is provided with a low-friction insertion operation, since the surface of the tank (T) will easily glide or move up along the sloped portion 22 of each contact member 18 and along the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 3, according to the present invention, the contact member 18 is sized, shaped, or configured to be at least partially positioned in a groove 24 that extends along the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14. As seen, and in this preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, two grooves 24 are provided for receiving a respective contact member 18. Each contact member 18 is permanently or removably attached at least partially within a respective groove 24, such that a top surface 26 of each contact member 18 extends or projects beyond a top surface 28 of the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 (see Fig. 2). Further, and as best seen in Figs. 2 and 6, the top surface 26 of the contact member 18 is shaped, rounded, or sloped to provide at least one side sloped portion 30. It is envisioned that this side sloped portion 30 of each contact member 18 may be part of a contact member 18 with a rounded cross section, a side of a contact member 18 with a substantially triangular cross section, a side of a contact member 18 with a truncated substantially triangular cross section, or any similar shape or configuration. In particular, it is this side sloped portion 30 of contact member 18 that provides (or assists in providing) the above-discussed centering capability and function of the tank (T) with respect to the base member 12. Similar shapes and sizes are envisioned to achieve this centering function, and are considered within the scope of the presently claimed tank attachment arrangement 10.

[0023] With continued reference to Figs. 2, 3, and 6, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the sloped portion 22 of the contact member 18 is in the form of a tip area 32 of the contact member 18, where this tip area 32 includes a thickness at a distal end 34 that is less than or substantially equal to the depth of the groove 24 and/or the thickness of the saddle portion 14. Accordingly, the distal end 34 of the tip area 32 will not interfere with the movement of the tank (T) through and with respect to the tank retainer arrangement 20. This tip area 32 and sized distal end 34 thereof may also be used at both ends of the contact member 18. This would allow for the effective insertion of the tank (T) with respect to the tank retainer arrangement 20 from both a bottom-up movement and a top-down movement. Further, by using both the sloped portion 22 with the above-discussed tip area 32 and the side sloped portion 30, the tank (T) is easily and quickly insertable within or in connection with the tank retainer arrangement 20, and, at the same time, centered with respect to the base member 12.

[0024] As illustrated in the preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of Figs. 2 and 6, the sloped portion 22 of the contact member 18 includes a first sloped area 36 and a second sloped area 38. The first sloped area 36 and the second sloped area 38 include a different degree of slope, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the first sloped area 36 is coextensive with or in the form of the tip area 32 discussed above. By using different degrees of slope between the first sloped area 36 and the second sloped area 38, the tank (T) is easily urged upward (or downward) along the first sloped area 36 and then engaged with or bear against the second sloped area 38. As above, this combination of a first sloped area 36 and the second sloped area 38 may be formed or used on either or both ends of the contact member 18. In addition, additional sloped areas or rounded area may be used to achieve a substantially similar effect.

[0025] As seen in Fig. 2, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact member 18 extends substantially from a first edge 40 of the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 to a second edge 42 of the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14. Again, if the various above-discussed sloped portions 22 are used on both ends of the contact member 18, the user (U) may attach the tank (T) to the tank attachment arrangement 10 from both above and below the tank attachment arrangement 10.

[0026] According to the invention, and as best illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6-9, the contact member may include a first sloped portion 44 (which may be in the form of the above-discussed first sloped area 36 and second sloped area 38), a substantially linear portion 46, and a second sloped portion 48 (which may also include the above-discussed first sloped area 36 and second sloped area 38). In operation, the user (U) moves the tank (T) through the tank retainer arrangement 20 by first contacting or urging tank (T) along the first sloped portion 44 and along or in contact with the linear portion 46. Upon tightening of the tank retainer arrangement 20, the tank (T) is urged tighter against the linear portion 46 of each contact member 18, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, against the first sloped portion 44 and second sloped portion 48, as well as the top surface 28 of the saddle portion 14. In this manner, the tank (T) is held securely with respect to the base member 12, and, thus, the back-plate assembly BP.

[0027] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact member 18 is formed from an elastic material, a flexible material, a resilient material, a rubber material, a synthetic material, a low-friction material (e.g., a slippery material), a plastic material, and/or a silicon material. By using a flexible or resilient material, and when the tank (T) is urged against the contact member 18 using the tank retainer arrangement 20, the tank is gripped or held firmly in place with respect to the base member 12 (i.e., on the contact side 16 (or, as discussed hereinafter, on the saddle contact member 80) of the saddle portion 14). In addition, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect where two contact members 18 are provided, the use of this flexible or resilient material provides an additional gripping or securement feature.

[0028] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and by using a silicon material or similar synthetic (e.g., low-friction or "slippery") material, the tank (T) "glides" along the contact member 18 and into position with respect to the base member 12. Accordingly, by using this low-friction material, together with the sloped portion 22 of the contact member 18, the tank (T) can be quickly and effectively attached to the back-plate assembly BP using the tank attachment arrangement 10. In addition, and by using such a low-friction material in the embodiment or aspect with two (or multiple) contact members 18, the above-discussed centering function occurs in a more effective manner. It should also be noted that multiple contact members 18 can be used and positioned in a variety of systems and configurations of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), regardless of how many tanks T are used in the system.

[0029] As seen in Figs. 2 and 3, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 is substantially concave. In addition, the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 includes a first sloped portion 50, a substantially linear portion 52, and a second sloped portion 54. Accordingly, the shape of the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 may be substantially similar to the above-discussed shape of the contact member 18. It is also envisioned that the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 may be rounded or otherwise shaped to work in conjunction with the shape of the contact member 18. In this embodiment or aspect, and upon engagement of a tank (T) with the tank retainer arrangement 20, once urged against the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14, the tank (T) primarily contacts the linear portion 52 of the saddle portion 14 (together with the linear portion 46 of the contact member 18).

[0030] With reference to Figs. 6-9, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact member 18 includes at least one (and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, two) attachment extensions that project or extend from a bottom surface 58 of the contact member 18. In addition, the groove 24 includes at least one (or in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, two) orifices 60 that extend through a bottom surface 62 of the groove 24. These orifices 60 (or conduits) are sized, shaped, or configured to at least partially receive and retain the attachment extension 56, such that the contact member 18 is attached to the saddle portion 14 of the base member 12.

[0031] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the attachment extension 56 includes a shaft 64, e.g., a cylindrical member, with a cap 66 on an end thereof. The cap 66 may be rounded, flat, circular, bulbous, or the like. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap 66 is in the form of a round button-type member. Further, the orifice 60 defines a conduit 68 that has a ledge 70. In this embodiment or aspect, the attachment extension 56 is made from a flexible, resilient, or deformable material, such that it can be compressed and urged into the conduit 68, where the cap 66 expands in the conduit 68 and abuts against or engages the ledge 70 of the conduit 68. This represents a "button-type" connection between the contact member 18 and the saddle portion 14. Such removable engagement between the contact member 18 and the saddle portion 14 facilitates the easy maintenance or replacement of the contact member 18. For example, if the contact member 18 is ripped, torn, broken, degraded, or otherwise becomes ineffective, it may be simply removed from the saddle portion 14 using the above-described "button-type" engagement. The contact member 18 as engaged with the saddle portion 14 is illustrated in Fig. 9. Of course, any other removable engagement arrangement is envisioned, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact member 18 is permanently attached to the saddle portion 14.

[0032] With reference to Figs. 3 and 10-12, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the base member 12 includes a cradle 72 that is removably engageable with or permanently attached to the back-plate assembly (BP), such as a frame portion of the back-plate assembly (BP). In addition, a cradle cover 74 can be provided to cover or otherwise contain or envelope the cradle 72. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect the saddle portion 14 is attached to or formed on at least a portion of the cradle cover 74.

[0033] In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, and as best seen in Figs. 2-5, 10, and 11, the tank retainer arrangement 20 includes an elongate band 76 that is configured to be loosened with respect to and urged against the tank (T), which thereby urges the tank (T) against the saddle portion 14 of the tank attachment arrangement 10. Accordingly, this elongate band 76 is configured to be engaged, tightened, and/or loosened with respect to the tank (T), such as by using a latching/tensioning assembly 78 that is in operative engagement with at least a portion of the base member 12. Any suitable elongate band 76-latching/tensioning assembly 78 may be used without departing from the scope of the presently-claimed invention. For example, a tensioning buckle may be attached to the cradle 72 through an intermediate spring secured to a lug protruding from the cradle 72. The elongate band 76 may be attached to the tensioning buckle such that, with a tank (T) placed against the saddle portion 14, the tensioning buckle is operated to secure the band 76 tightly around the tank (T).

[0034] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, at least a portion of the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 is formed from a frictional or gripping, e.g., "sticky" material, such as rubber material, a resilient material, a synthetic material, or the like. In this manner, the user (U) is able to slide the tank (T) on and along the contact members 18 to the appropriate position. Once in position, the user (U) uses the tank retainer arrangement 20 (e.g., the elongate band 76-latching/tensioning assembly 78) to urge the tank (T) towards and against the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14. By forming at least a portion of the contact side 16 with a frictional or gripping material, and after actuating or operating the tank retainer arrangement 20, the tank (T) is more securely held in place against the base member 12, where the frictional or gripping material prevent or reduce any lateral movement of the tank (T). Accordingly, the tank attachment arrangement 10 provides a beneficial "slide and clamp" functionality.

[0035] With reference to Figs. 2-5, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the contact side 16 of the saddle portion 14 includes or is in the form of a saddle contact member 80, which is either formed on or attached to an upper surface 82 of the base member 12, such as by some mutually interacting arrangement 83 (see Fig. 5) for connection of the saddle contact member 80 to the upper surface 82 of the base member 12. In this embodiment or aspect, it is the saddle contact member 80 that is either wholly or partially formed with the above-discussed frictional or gripping material.

[0036] In addition, and as illustrated in Figs. 2-5, the saddle contact member 80 may include a central saddle contact portion 84 and two side saddle contact portions 86, all of which may be spaced, such as by the grooves 14. In addition, at least a portion of the saddle contact member 80, the central saddle contact portion 84, and/or the side saddle contact portions 86 may be shaped or configured for appropriate contact and engagement with a side surface of the tank (T). In particular, and in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the saddle contact member 80, including the central saddle contact portion 84 and/or the side saddle contact portions 86, are provided with the above-discussed first sloped portion 50, linear portion 52, and/or second sloped portion 54. This assists in facilitating the above-discussed "slide and clamp" functionality.

[0037] In addition, by providing both the central saddle contact portion 84 and the side saddle contact portions 86, various tank (T) sizes may be effectively accommodated. For example, a larger diameter tank (T) primarily, exclusively, or initially would contact the side saddle contact portions 86 upon positioning and actuation or operation of the tank retainer arrangement 20 (e.g., the elongate band 76-latching/tensioning assembly 78), and a smaller diameter tank (T) would primarily, exclusively, or initially contact the central saddle contact portion 84 upon positioning and actuation or operation of the tank retainer arrangement 20. These specially-configured contact points or areas may also be formed from or coated with the above-discussed frictional or gripping material.

[0038] In this manner, provided is a tank attachment arrangement 10 for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that facilitates the quick attachment and removal of a tank (T) to and from the back-plate assembly (BP) of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In addition, the tank attachment arrangement 10 provides a low-friction surface for the insertion and removal of the tank (T) to and from the tank attachment arrangement 10. In addition, the tank attachment arrangement 10 allows for the proper positioning of the tank (T) in connection with the tank attachment arrangement 10 or base member 12. This allows the end user (U) to rapidly change-out tanks T in the operating environment. In addition, by using the above-discussed contact members 18 and saddle portion 14, an improved bottom loading action is provided, and further, the "floating" contact members 18 will effectively depress and provide maximum contact with the saddle portion 14, e.g., the saddle contact member 80, thereby ensuring that the tank (T) does not move while clamped on the base member 12.

Claims

1. A tank attachment arrangement (10) for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) having at least one tank (T), comprising:

a base member 12 having a saddle portion (14) comprising a contact side (16) having at least one contact member (18) directly or indirectly attached to the saddle portion (14), the at least one contact member (18) configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank (T); and

at least one tank retainer arrangement (20) configured to retain the at least one tank (T) with respect to the base member (12);

wherein the at least one contact member (18) extends into a groove (24) within the contact side (16) of the saddle portion 14 in a depth direction of the base member (12), and

wherein the at least one contact member (18) includes a substantially linear portion (46), a first sloped portion (22,44), and a second sloped portion (22,48) extending from opposing ends of the substantially linear portion (46) in a longitudinal direction of the at least one contact member (18) and substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the at least one tank (T) to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank (T) with at least one of the substantially linear portion (46), the first sloped portion (22,44), and the second sloped portion (22,48) of the tank attachment arrangement (10).

2. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first sloped portion (22,44) and the second sloped portion (22,48) of the at least one contact member (18) comprises a first sloped area (36) and a second sloped area (38), the first sloped area (36) and the second sloped area (38) having a different degree of slope.

3. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one contact member (18) has a cross section that is at least one of the following: rounded, at least partially sloped, at least partially angled, substantially triangular, substantially in the form of a truncated triangle, beveled, or any combination thereof.

4. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact side (16) of the saddle portion (14) is substantially concave.

5. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact side (16) of the saddle portion (14) comprises at least one saddle contact member (18) configured for contact with at least a portion of the tank (T) upon actuation or operation of the tank retainer arrangement (20).

6. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising two spaced contact members (18) that are configured to respectively contact two different areas of the surface of the tank (T).

7. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one contact member (18) comprises at least one attachment extension extending from a bottom surface (58) of the at least one contact member (18).

8. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of claim 7, wherein the groove (24) comprises at least one orifice extending therethrough configured to at least partially receive and retain the at least one attachment extension, thereby attaching the at least one contact member (18) to the saddle portion (14).

9. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base member (12) comprises:

a cradle (72) attachable to a frame of a back-plate assembly (BP) of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and

a cradle (72) cover engageable with the cradle (72);

wherein the saddle portion (14) is attached to or formed on the cradle cover (74).

10. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one tank retainer arrangement (20) comprises at least one elongate band (76) configured to retain the at least one tank (T) against the contact side (16) of the saddle portion (14) of the base member (12).

11. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of claim 10, wherein the at least one elongate band (76) is configured to be tightened and loosened with respect to the at least one tank (T).

12. The tank attachment arrangement (10) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one elongate band (76) is configured to be tightened and loosened using a latching/tensioning assembly (78) in operative engagement with at least a portion of the base member (12).

13. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), comprising:

a back-plate assembly (BP) having at least one attachment arrangement configured to removably connect the back-plate (BP) assembly to a user (U);

at least one tank (T) having gas therein;

a regulation system (RS) directly or indirectly connected to the at least one tank (T) and configured to provide regulated gas from the tank to a mask of the user (U); and

a tank attachment arrangement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 12.

Ansprüche

1. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) für eine autonome Atemschutzvorrichtung (SCBA) mit mindestens einem Tank (T), umfassend:

ein Basiselement 12 mit einem Sattelabschnitt (14), der eine Kontaktseite (16) mit mindestens einem Kontaktelement (18) aufweist, das direkt oder indirekt an dem Sattelabschnitt (14) befestigt ist, wobei das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) so ausgelegt ist, dass es eine Oberfläche des mindestens einen Tanks (T) berührt; und

mindestens eine Tankhalteanordnung (20), die dazu ausgelegt ist, den mindestens einen Tank (T) in Bezug auf das Basiselement (12) zu halten;

wobei sich das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) in eine Nut (24) innerhalb der Kontaktseite (16) des Sattelabschnitts 14 in einer Tiefenrichtung des Basiselements (12) erstreckt, und

wobei das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) einen im Wesentlichen linearen Abschnitt (46), einen ersten geneigten Abschnitt (22, 44) und einen zweiten geneigten Abschnitt (22, 48) enthält, die sich von gegenüberliegenden Enden des im Wesentlichen geradlinigen Abschnitts (46) in einer Längsrichtung des mindestens einen Kontaktelements (18) und im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Längsachse des mindestens einen Tanks (T) erstrecken, um den Eingriff oder das Lösen des mindestens einen Tanks (T) mit mindestens einem des im Wesentlichen geradlinigen Abschnitts (46), des ersten geneigten Abschnitts (22, 44) und des zweiten geneigten Abschnitts (22, 48) der Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) zu erleichtern.

2. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der mindestens eine des ersten geneigten Abschnitts (22, 44) und des zweiten geneigten Abschnitts (22, 48) des mindestens einen Kontaktelements (18) einen ersten geneigten Bereich (36) und einen zweiten geneigten Bereich (38) umfasst, wobei der erste abgeschrägte Bereich (36) und der zweite geneigte Bereich (38) einen unterschiedlichen Grad an Neigung aufweisen.

3. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) einen Querschnitt aufweist, der mindestens einer der folgenden ist: abgerundet, mindestens teilweise geneigt, mindestens teilweise abgewinkelt, im Wesentlichen dreieckig, im Wesentlichen in Form eines abgestumpften Dreiecks, abgeschrägt oder eine Kombination davon.

4. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Kontaktseite (16) des Sattelabschnitts (14) im Wesentlichen konkav ist.

5. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Kontaktseite (16) des Sattelabschnitts (14) mindestens ein Sattelkontaktelement (18) umfasst, das für den Kontakt mit mindestens einem Abschnitt des Tanks (T) bei Betätigung oder Betrieb der Tankhalteanordnung (20) ausgelegt ist.

6. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, die ferner zwei beabstandete Kontaktelemente (18) umfasst, die so ausgelegt sind, dass sie jeweils zwei verschiedene Bereiche der Oberfläche des Tanks (T) kontaktieren.

7. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) mindestens eine Befestigungsverlängerung aufweist, die sich von einer unteren Fläche (58) des mindestens einen Kontaktelements (18) erstreckt.

8. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Nut (24) mindestens eine sich durch sie hindurch erstreckende Öffnung umfasst, die dazu ausgelegt ist, die mindestens eine Befestigungsverlängerung mindestens teilweise aufzunehmen und zu halten, wodurch das mindestens eine Kontaktelement (18) an dem Sattelabschnitt (14) befestigt wird.

9. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei das Basiselement (12) umfasst:

eine Aufnahmemulde (72), die an einem Rahmen einer Rückenplattenanordnung (BP) der autonomen Atemschutzvorrichtung (SCBA) befestigbar ist; und

eine Abdeckung der Aufnahmemulde (72), die mit der Aufnahmemulde (72) in Eingriff bringbar ist;

wobei der Sattelabschnitt (14) an der Aufnahmemuldenabdeckung (74) befestigt oder angeformt ist.

10. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei die mindestens eine Tankhalteanordnung (20) mindestens ein längliches Band (76) umfasst, das dazu ausgelegt ist, den mindestens einen Tank (T) gegen die Kontaktseite (16) des Sattelabschnitts (14) des Basiselements (12) zu halten.

11. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei das mindestens eine längliche Band (76) dazu ausgelegt ist, in Bezug auf den mindestens einen Tank (T) festgezogen und gelockert zu werden.

12. Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß Anspruch 10 oder 11, wobei das mindestens eine längliche Band (76) dazu ausgelegt ist, unter Verwendung einer mit mindestens einem Abschnitt des Basiselements (12) in Wirkeingriff stehenden Verriegelungs-/Spannanordnung (78) festgezogen und gelockert zu werden.

13. Autonome Atemschutzvorrichtung (SCBA), umfassend:

eine Rückenplattenanordnung (BP), die mindestens eine Befestigungsanordnung aufweist, die dazu ausgelegt ist, die Rückenplattenanordnung (BP) lösbar mit einem Benutzer (U) zu verbinden;

mindestens einen Tank (T), in dem Gas ist;

ein Regelsystem (RS), das direkt oder indirekt mit dem mindestens einen Tank (T) verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, geregeltes Gas aus dem Tank zu einer Maske des Benutzers (U) zu leiten; und

eine Tankbefestigungsanordnung (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.

Revendications

1. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir pour un appareil respiratoire autonome (SCBA) possédant au moins un réservoir (T), comprenant :

un élément de base 12 possédant une partie selle (14) comprenant un côté de contact (16) possédant au moins un élément de contact (18) directement ou indirectement fixé à la partie selle (14), l'au moins un élément de contact (18) étant configuré pour entrer en contact avec une surface de l'au moins un réservoir (T) ; et

au moins un agencement de retenue (20) de réservoir configuré pour retenir l'au moins un réservoir (T) par rapport à l'élément de base (12) ;

dans lequel l'au moins un élément de contact (18) s'étend dans une rainure (24) à l'intérieur du côté de contact (16) de la partie selle 14 dans une direction de profondeur de l'élément de base (12), et

dans lequel l'au moins un élément de contact (18) comprend une partie sensiblement linéaire (46), une première partie en pente (22, 44), et une deuxième partie en pente (22, 48) s'étendant depuis des extrémités opposées de la partie sensiblement linéaire (46) dans une direction longitudinale de l'au moins un élément de contact (18) et sensiblement parallèle à un axe longitudinal de l'au moins un réservoir (T) pour faciliter une mise en prise ou une désolidarisation de l'au moins un réservoir (T) avec au moins une parmi la partie sensiblement linéaire (46), la première partie en pente (22, 44) et la deuxième partie en pente (22, 48) de l'agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir.

2. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'au moins une parmi la première partie en pente (22, 44) et la deuxième partie en pente (22, 48) de l'au moins un élément de contact (18) comprend une première zone en pente (36) et une deuxième zone en pente (38), la première zone en pente (36) et la deuxième zone en pente (38) ayant un degré de pente différent.

3. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'au moins un élément de contact (18) présente une coupe transversale qui est au moins un parmi ce qui suit : arrondie, au moins partiellement en pente, au moins partiellement en biais, sensiblement triangulaire, sensiblement sous la forme d'un triangle tronqué, biseautée, ou une combinaison quelconque de ceux-ci.

4. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le côté de contact (16) de la partie selle (14) est sensiblement concave.

5. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le côté de contact (16) de la partie selle (14) comprend au moins un élément de contact en forme de selle (18) configuré pour un contact avec au moins une partie du réservoir (T) lors de l'actionnement ou du fonctionnement de l'agencement de retenue (20) de réservoir.

6. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant en outre deux éléments de contact espacés (18) qui sont configurés pour entrer respectivement en contact avec deux zones différentes de la surface du réservoir (T).

7. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel l'au moins un élément de contact (18) comprend au moins une extension de fixation s'étendant depuis une surface inférieure (58) de l'au moins un élément de contact (18).

8. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la rainure (24) comprend au moins un orifice s'étendant à travers celle-ci configuré pour recevoir et retenir au moins partiellement l'au moins une extension de fixation, ce qui permet de fixer l'au moins un élément de contact (18) à la partie selle (14).

9. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel l'élément de base (12) comprend :

une nacelle (72) pouvant être fixée à une structure d'un ensemble plaque arrière (BP) de l'appareil respiratoire autonome (SCBA) ; et

un couvercle de nacelle (72) pouvant être mis en prise avec la nacelle (72) ;

dans lequel la partie selle (14) est fixée au couvercle (74) de nacelle ou formée sur celui-ci.

10. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel l'au moins un agencement de retenue (20) de réservoir comprend au moins une bande allongée (76) configurée pour retenir l'au moins un réservoir (T) contre le côté de contact (16) de la partie selle (14) de l'élément de base (12).

11. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon la revendication 10, dans lequel l'au moins une bande allongée (76) est configurée pour être serrée et desserrée par rapport à l'au moins un réservoir (T).

12. Agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel l'au moins une bande allongée (76) est configurée pour être serrée et desserrée à l'aide d'un ensemble de verrouillage/tension (78) en prise fonctionnelle avec au moins une partie de l'élément de base (12).

13. Appareil respiratoire autonome (SCBA), comprenant :

un ensemble plaque arrière (BP) possédant au moins un agencement de fixation configuré pour relier de façon amovible l'ensemble plaque arrière (BP) à un utilisateur (U) ;

au moins un réservoir (T) renfermant du gaz ;

un système de régulation (RS) relié directement ou indirectement à l'au moins un réservoir (T) et configuré pour fournir un gaz régulé depuis le réservoir vers un masque de l'utilisateur (U) ; et

un agencement de fixation (10) de réservoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12.

Drawing